Yesterday I took this photo of a mini-excavator in front of the construction a few houses away. I have been on the look-out for things that would interest my grandsons. They love trucks of all sorts, farm equipment and anything similar to tractors. On a previous visit to their home I remember having to schedule our day around the garbage pick-up. My oldest grandson, then not quite 2 years old, was fascinated by the garbage truck, and needed to go outside to wave at the worker!
Their mother at a very young age was fascinated by anything to do with music, especially cellos, which ended up defining her career. I wonder how often what young children are intrigued by is a prediction of their life work. If that is the case, my granddaughter will be either a ballerina or orchestra conductor, or gardener, or reader of many books! And at least one of my grandsons will drive a garbage truck or perhaps a tractor or emergency vehicle. Or maybe he will follow in his father’s footsteps and fall in love with race cars.
It’s not always the case, but I know it frequently happens. After all, my daughter who thrived on discussing history and politics has a masters in political studies; the other who loved money (cash registers) and wanted to be a cashier worked at a bank for years. My son who loved to eat out at fancy restaurants ever since he was very young (didn’t always get his way!) has owned a restaurant for many years.
I am a strong believer of letting children explore what interests them. As parents we succeed when we open up possibilities to our children, and allow them to choose the activities that they enjoy the most. Whatever they gravitate towards might be a prediction of which path they choose in the future.
Reflections 